Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 2.
Frank Moore, Ed.

[178] see my nephew, all of which was refused, and I was taken by them to the Superintendent's office, with the assurance that all necessary information with regard to my arrest, would be given by Mr. Kennedy at his office. Upon our arrival there, a person, apparently in authority, inquired of these men whether they had obtained those papers, and after looking over them and commenting upon the folly of those encouraging the idea of peace, and predicting the disgrace of all such as should be found advocating such a course, he also, on my requesting him, refused to return me the papers or inform me on what charge I had been arrested. He also said if I would call in the evening, Mr. Kennedy would explain the matter to me. This I did not conceive it my duty to do, as I do not understand why any American citizen should be restrained of his liberty when no charge is preferred against him.

Now, Messrs. Editors, if this matter concerned myself alone, (being conscious of purity of motive, and yielding to no man in devotion to the interests of my country, whose laws I have always endeavored to obey,) I might pass it by without notice; but as it affects the rights and interests of all men who love their country, and would see its Government so administered as to protect the rights of all its citizens, and so fulfil its mission of Liberty, Justice, and Fraternity, I cannot refrain from giving it publicity, regretting that fellow-citizens, bound together by so many considerations, and all apparently seeking the prosperity of the Union, should be so devoid of charity, which is the only bond of Union. That our country may be safely brought through all its difficulties, and again enjoy the blessings of peace and prosperity, ought to be the fervent desire of all men; nor should those who seek so blessed a consummation be denounced as traitors, or arrested as criminals, without process of law.